Air India Nagpur-Delhi Flight Returns After Bird Strike: Passengers Safe and Accommodated

An Air India flight traveling from Nagpur to Delhi was forced to return to its origin shortly after takeoff on October 24 due to a bird strike incident, according to an Air India spokesperson.

Following the precautionary return, the aircraft landed safely at Nagpur airport. The necessary maintenance checks required extended time for repairs, which ultimately led to the flight's cancellation. The airline confirmed that all passengers remained safe throughout the incident.

"Flight AI466, operating from Nagpur to Delhi on October 24, experienced a bird-hit shortly after take-off. Following standard operating procedure, the crew made the decision to return to Nagpur as a precautionary measure for aircraft inspection," stated an Air India spokesperson.

The spokesperson further explained, "After safely landing in Nagpur, the aircraft underwent comprehensive maintenance checks that required significant time for proper rectification, resulting in the flight's cancellation. Our ground team at Nagpur immediately responded by providing assistance to all passengers, including serving meals at the airport."

In a separate development announced on Friday, Air India revealed that 60 of its 180 daily domestic flights will be relocated from Terminal 3 to Terminal 2 at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport, effective October 26. This adjustment is being implemented to accommodate the ongoing expansion activities at Terminal 3. All international Air India flights will continue to operate from Terminal 3 as usual.

Air India communicated via social media platform X: "Starting 26th October 2025, Air India will adjust their domestic operations at Delhi Airport to support T3 expansion activities: - Air India: 60 out of 180 daily domestic flights will shift to Terminal 2 (T2) - All international flights continue to operate from T3. Passengers are advised to keep their contact details updated and check flight/terminal info via our website, app, or 24x7 support."

According to information available on Air India's official website, flights operating from Terminal 2 will be identifiable by flight numbers beginning with "AI1XXX," such as AI1737 and AI1787.